Vikings Notebook

Vikings Notebook
Vikings.com

Note: Vikings Notebook is powered by Perrault Construction, the trusted roofing, siding and window company in Duluth.

On Saturday, the Vikings promoted running back Myles Gaskin and defensive lineman Jonah Williams for their Week 2 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers at noon Sunday.

For the second week in a row, Gaskin has been called up from the practice squad. He took part in five special teams plays, although he did not return a kickoff. All three kickoffs in New York's Week 1 led to touchbacks.

Additionally, Gaskin took two offensive snaps, carrying the ball once for a 3-yard loss towards the game's end. His NFL career includes 42 games.

Williams is set to make his 2024 debut after signing with Minnesota as a free agent.

The ex-Los Angeles Ram has appeared in 41 NFL games, starting 22 of them. Last season, he played 31 and 33 defensive snaps in two games against the 49ers, accumulating nine tackles and a hit on the quarterback.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Vikings added receiver Jeshaun Jones to their practice squad.

Jones initially joined Minnesota as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.

During training camp and the preseason with the Vikings, he was notable for his 71-yard touchdown catch in Cleveland, ending the preseason with five catches totaling 90 yards.

Jones was let go during the roster cuts on August 29. Hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, he participated in 48 games at Maryland from 2018 to 2023, amassing 151 catches for 2,040 yards and 14 touchdowns.

To accommodate Jones, the Vikings parted ways with cornerback Jaylin Williams from the practice squad.

In 2023, Williams played in three games for Minnesota as an undrafted rookie free agent.

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

A Pine City defensive player broke up a pass intended for Denfeld senior wide receiver Cole Abernethy on Thursday night. Howie / HowieHanson.com

Duluth Denfeld improved to 3-0 with a 56-0 high school football nonconference victory over Pine City at Public Schools Stadium on Thursday night.

"We wanted to come out fast and overwhelm Pine City, which we did," said Hunters coach Erik Lofald. "Taye Manns put on a show and proved he is the best football player in the area scoring on a pick six on Pine City’s opening drive. He had over 250 yards rushing and five TDs. Our defense wanted to make a statement and posted the shutout. Now we are on to a showdown with Duluth East for the city championship. We are taking them very seriously no matter the outcome tonight. They will have our full attention." 

Manns, the unanimous 2024 HowieHanson.com Preseason Player of the Year, said the Hunters are determined to pressure defenses by employing a physical running game led by a big, powerful and talented offensive line.

"The goal is to take it to the house on every touch," he said. "I just follow my blockers, who continue to open large holes for our runners. The major focus is to make it to state."

Hunters junior quarterback Lee Brooks said his team features an ultra-elite offense and an improving, physical defensive.

"We're a brotherhood, always lifting everyone," he said. "We're very dynamic on offense. What more can we say about Taye? He's my boy."